Abu Dhabi: Peppermill is the latest Indian eatery to open at the Eastern Mangroves promenade. But if you have already been to their outlet in the Al Wahda Mall then there is no element of surprise here.
The décor is replicated to detail – velvet curtains, ornate furniture in bright hues of magenta and blue in a spacious dining hall.
The menu too is similar – an extensive selection of traditional and innovative recipes. However, one thing is different. It’s the alfresco setting at the waterfront overlooking the mangroves which makes it a great outdoor venue for the family to enjoy. You could even opt for a kayaking trip through the mangroves if you can bear the heat.
thirst quenchers
The place has some good coolers to start with. Summer cocktails include lassis (yoghurt-based drink) as well as a selection of fresh juices. Berrilicious – a medley of berries with some fizz – is a great thirst quencher. For lassi lovers there is nothing more fulfilling than the saffron lassi served in a tall glass – it’s sweet and refreshing.
For the starters there are two items you can’t say no to – Karare Palak Chaat and Jhinga Chaap. The former is an innovative take on spinach leaves. Batter fried spinach leaves are drizzled with mint, tamarind chutney and yoghurt and sprinkled with ground spices and fresh coriander. It is crispy, tangy, sweet, sour and addictive.
Jhinga Chaap – deep fried prawn marinated with spices and coated with crumbs – is crispy as well as juicy and tastes great with fresh mint chutney.
The menu features 16 types of kebabs. I ordered a mix platter including Murg Malai Kebab, Machli Pepper Tikka, Khumb Khazana and Kakori Kebab. I must say that every item on the platter was top notch. Another dish, Khumb Kebab – fresh mushrooms, stuffed with spinach and cheese, topped with cashew nuts and spices, and cooked in a clay oven – irresistible till the last bite.
An exotic dish that’s sure to beckon you back to Peppermill is Badshah’s Delight. It is a refreshingly different chicken curry featuring succulent pieces of chicken breast, stuffed with almonds, cheddar cheese, bell peppers and spices, and braised in curry sauce. It is nutty, mildly spicy and will surely appeal to most tastebuds.
We were resilient enough to order a Jhinga Biryani that turned out to be a steamy pot stuffed with taste and aroma. It was culinary perfection embodied in a pot.
Dessert was also another celebration with Shahi Tukda (toasted brioche caramelised and served with pistachio kulfi drizzled with saffron sauce and topped with a biscotti), Gulab Jamun with Rabri (nut stuffed deep fried dumplings served with sweet condensed milk) and carrot Halwa.
Details
Meal for two: Dh250–Dh350
Location: Eastern Mangroves promenade, Abu Dhabi
Timings: 11am-12am (weekdays) and 11am-1am (weekends)
For bookings: 02-441 3582
